What's a gaffer do?

What does a gaffer do? Gaffers work closely with the director of photography (DoP) to bring to life the overall look of a film by creating and controlling light. They work with the DoP to understand the desired light effects and figure out how to achieve them.

What are the duties of a gaffer?

The gaffer's job is to run a team of lighting technicians to execute the lighting plan for a production. The name “gaffer” in Hollywood actually comes from British slang for a tool called the “gaff,” which was a hooked metal pole used in theatre to adjust the stage lights.

How much do gaffers get paid?

Gaffer salary

According to Careers In Film, the average annual salary for a gaffer is approximately $54,700. The salary range for gaffers runs from $19,000 to $129,000. If you're in the union, that number will go up based on the number of jobs you work.

What is the best boy do?

A best boy is the first assistant to the grip crew or the lighting department and fills a number of roles on a television or film set. While the gaffer and key grips work closely with the director of photography (cinematographer), the best boys take care of everything topside to ensure a seamless production.

Is a gaffer an electrician?

In film and television crews, the gaffer or chief lighting technician is the head electrician, responsible for the execution (and sometimes the design) of the lighting plan for a production.

What A Gaffer Does On Set: Crew Breakdown

What is a movie grip salary?

While a film grip's salary is dependent on experience and working conditions (budget, location, hours of work, union status), a 2019 report from Career Trend found that an average salary for grips is $30,000, while dolly grips earn between $200 and $300 per shooting day, according to Saddleback University.

What is a best boy in the film industry?

THE BEST BOY is a senior electrician on a film crew, coming second in the hierarchy to the "gaffer", the chief electrician. The electricians are responsible for the technical side of the lighting and are known as the "sparks" in this country or "juicers" in the US.

What do grips do in film?

A Grip is responsible for setting up, rigging, and striking lighting equipment on set. They are also responsible for keeping equipment organized, and sometimes equipment maintenance. A Key Grip in film is the boss of the Grips department.

What is a key boy?

Keyboy definition

A hotel or motel employee in charge of room keys. Possibly a synonym for a hotel/motel front desk clerk. noun.

How do I become a Bestboy?

What degree do you need to be a gaffer?

While there are no specific education requirements for gaffers, a bachelor's degree in stage lighting or film production can give prospective candidates an edge. Coursework includes stage and costume design, technical production and sound studies.

What is the difference between a gaffer and a grip?

The gaffer is the head electrician in a movie crew; it's her job to manage the lighting, making sure the levels are appropriate for the desired effect in the scene. The gaffer is assisted by the best boy, and may have a crew of electricians. A grip is also concerned with lighting, but from the mechanical side.

How much does Steven Spielberg make per movie?

Earnings and Salary

For his own films, Steven frequently opts for a relatively low upfront salary, $10 million, in exchange for backend points on the gross revenue.

What is G and E in film?

The Grip and Electric departments, collectively known as G&E, are amazing. During long scene setups, you could spend all day watching them place flags, lay track, strike lamps, drop scrims, and fly in sandbags.

Why is a manager called gaffer?

What is its origin? In 16th century England, a gaffer was the head of an organised group of labourers. Also used colloquially to refer to an old man, which several managers were, the word entered the sports lexicon. It's thought to derive from 'godfather' or 'governor'.

How much does a dolly grip make?

The salaries of Dolly Grips in the US range from $29,686 to $42,312 , with a median salary of $33,777 . The middle 57% of Dolly Grips makes between $33,777 and $36,483, with the top 86% making $42,312.

Why is it called best boy?

Legend has it they were called 'best boys' because, back in the day, the people rigging up lighting, electricity or cameras would yell out for a bit of assistance by asking someone to send them 'their best boy'. As in, the best qualified person from their team for the job at hand.

What does grip stand for in film?

The grip is the person in charge of setting up equipment to support the camera in a movie, commercial or television show. The grip sets up the rigging that allows the camera to move around the set to capture footage. The grip works on the camera dollies, cranes, tracks and camera setup.

What is a rigger in film?

Riggers set up and run the booms, lifts, hoists, and scaffolding needed on film and TV sets.

What is rigging on film sets?

This means they're in charge of all equipment that helps to lift or hoist other equipment, often with a main focus on: Camera rigs – Used to stabilize camera movements or to achieve difficult angles. Lighting rigs – Used to achieve specific lighting techniques or effects.

Is sound grip a real position?

According to Wikipedia, "sound grip" is a lesser-known term for the boom operator on a film set; in layman's terms, the person who holds that big microphone that sometimes makes its way into shots. But a sound grip isn't a real job on a film set.

What is a key dolly grip?

Your focus as the “dolly” guy or gal, however, is singular: You place, level, and move the dolly track, then push and pull the dolly cart during filming. Hired by the head Grip, known as the Key Grip, Dolly Grips spend their days doing a delicate dance along a cinematic train track.

How much do best boys earn?

Best Boy Electric Salary

A best boy electric can earn $50,000 to $75,000 if they're working regularly. Best boys electric are represented by IATSE Local 728, which means there are set minimum rates required on union productions.

What is the average salary of a best boy?

The average annual salary for a Best Boy is approximately $92,000.

Do actors get paid weekly?

Tip. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) says union members get paid every Thursday for the work they did through the previous Saturday. There are some exceptions, such as for actors staying overnight on location. Pay is based on SAG minimum rates, though established actors may have the standing to ask for much more.